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Before you browse:

If you are logged into My Cal Poly Portal, you should automatically be able to access library-licensed material from your device.

A reliable way to troubleshoot access issues is to connect to Cal Poly's Virtual Private Network (VPN), available through GlobalProtect. Installation instructions are on the campus ITS website.

OneSearch Catalog

The OneSearch Catalog provides access to most of the resources available through our subscription databases. Watch the videos and browse the resources below to learn how to effectively use OneSearch to locate the best information for your project. 

Databases

What subject-specific and multi-disciplinary databases can I access through the library?

Kennedy Library provides access to over 200 databases. Browse the resources below to learn how to choose the best database(s) for your topic, and how to save time and find the best information by using search strategies and techniques.

 

What about Google Scholar?

Google Scholar can be a great tool for finding scholarly literature. Browse the tutorials below to learn how to avoid paywalls by linking your Google account to library resources and how to find the most useful information on your topic.

Additional Resources

In the tutorials below, you can learn about finding course textbooks on reserve at the library, finding information about Cal Poly, finding and using images, how to use research guides and what they're good for, how to search effectively in Google and Google Scholar, and how to locate data sets.

 

What if I find an article in OneSearch or a database but the full-text is not available?

Many of the databases you use to find articles are discovery tools only, meaning you will then need to use the records you've found to access the actual documents. The tutorials below present a variety of ways to access full-text articles.

 

Browser Extensions for Open Access Articles

There is a growing variety of extensions you can add to your internet browser to search for legal access to free-to-read copies of articles with the click of a button. Here are some options:

Precision Searching Strategies

Precision searching will help you turn up more relevant resources related to your research question. Precision searching requires an effective search strategy that involves using a variety of search terms (keywords), filters (these vary by database), and search statements (use of boolean operators, for example). The following resources provide some suggestions for precision searching.